Calcutta HC allows ED to take Anubrata Mondal to Delhi, fines him 1 lakh

On Saturday, the Calcutta High Court ruled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can take Trinamool leader Anubrata Mondal to Delhi for further questioning in a cow smuggling case. Additionally, the Trinamool district president of Birbhum was fined 1 lakh by Justice Vivek Chowdhury's court for withholding information and harassing the top courts of Delhi and Calcutta.

During the court hearing, Anubrata's lawyer cited his client's illness, but the ED indicated that he would be taken to a medical facility in Delhi for treatment if necessary. After considering input from all parties, the court directed that Anubrata should be transported to Delhi by air, after undergoing a health check-up at a central hospital in the state.

Anubrata had sought to prevent the ED from taking him to Delhi, but the court rejected his plea. The Trinamool leader had been arrested earlier in connection with the cow smuggling case.

Justice Vivek Chowdhury observed that the case was significant and questioned why the ED's verbal assurance had not been included in the instructions during the hearing in the Delhi High Court. Anubrata's lawyer had claimed that the ED had provided verbal assurance that they would be present until the case was resolved. However, Justice Chowdhury found it necessary to issue a separate directive.

It has been reported that Anubrata is experiencing physical health issues and is receiving adequate treatment at a CBI court in Asansol. For now, no further action will be taken, but the ED will continue its investigation in Delhi.